Question
Pt. after thyroid surgery presents with perioral paresthesia. serum Ca level is 7 mg/dl. What will be the best management –
| A. |
Oral vit D3
|
| B. |
Oral vit D3 with Ca
|
| C. |
I.V.Ca. gluconate
|
| D. |
Oral calcium
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » C
Explanation
|
|
- Post-thyroid surgery patient → risk of hypoparathyroidism (parathyroid gland injury/removal)
- Leads to hypocalcemia
Key Clinical Features of Hypocalcemia
- Perioral paresthesia
- Tetany
- Carpopedal spasm
- Positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs
Interpretation of Calcium Level
- Normal serum calcium: 8.5–10.5 mg/dL
- Patient value: 7 mg/dL → symptomatic hypocalcemia
- Symptomatic hypocalcemia = medical emergency
- Requires rapid correction
- Best treatment:
- IV calcium gluconate (preferred over calcium chloride due to less tissue irritation)
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- Option A: Oral Vitamin D3
- Too slow
- Not suitable for emergency
- Option B: Oral Vitamin D3 + Calcium
- Used for chronic management, not acute symptoms
- Option D: Oral calcium
- Insufficient for symptomatic hypocalcemia
